Inclosure of Bourton & Watchfield in 1789
Towards the close of the 18th century, Parliament made the decision to implement a way that would eliminate most of the arguments and disputes that had plagued the country concerning boundaries. It was a bold step and meant employing hundreds of people as Commissioners (surveyors) to divide up and inclose as much Common Land and Ways as possible, so that it was clear to all just who owned what. In the main it worked and is responsible for how we see the British Countryside today. The following advertisements call two meetings: the first calling all interested parties to come and air their views and stake their claims. The second saying this is what has been agreed and done, if you're not happy come to the meeting and say why.
Oxford Journal
Sat 15 Aug, 1789
Shrivenham, Aug 7th, 1789
The Commissioners named and appointed in and by an Act of Parliament entitled, ‘An act for dividing, allotting, and inclosing the open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste Lands, and Commonable Places within the Hamlets of Bourton and Watchfield, in the Parish of Shrivenham, in the County of Berks,’ Do hereby give notice, that they have appointed a Meeting to be held at the House of William Lucas, at Shrivenham aforesaid, known by the name of Lord Barrington’s Arms, on Monday the 14th Day of September next, at Eleven o’clock, at which Time and Place the several and respective Proprietors of Lanes and Grounds, by the said Act intended to be divided and inclosed, are requested to deliver in their Claims and Terriers, specifying the particular Number of Acres, of Yard Lands, and Common Rights, in and over the said open Common Fields and Waste Lands.
Richard Davis
William Jennings
Richard Bloxham
Commissioners
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Oxford Journal
6 Nov, 1789
Bourton & Watchfield Inclosure
The Commissioners appointed by an Act of Parliament made and passed in the twenty-ninth Year of the Reign of his present Majesty King George the Third, entitled ‘An Act for dividing, allotting, and inclosing the open Common Fields, Common Meadows, Common Pastures, Waste Lands and Commonable Places within the hamlets of Bourton and watchfield, in the Parish of Shrivenham, in the County of Berks.’ Do hereby give Notice, That they have set out, ascertained, and appointed such public Roads, Ways, through and over the said Common Fields and Commonable Places as to them seem necessary and convenient, and that the same are staked out for the Inspection of all Persons interested therein: And further, That the said Roads and Ways are described by a Writing affixed on the Door of the Church of Shrivenham aforesaid; a Copy of which Writing is also left for Inspection at Lord Barrington’s Arms, in Shrivenham aforesaid:- And in Case any Person shall think himself or herself, or the public injured, by the Appointment of any of the said Roads and Ways so staked out and described, or by the Omission of any Road or Way, they may make such of their Objection to the said Commissioners, at their next Meeting to be held by Adjournment, at Lord Barrington’s Arms aforesaid, on Tuesday the 15th Day of December next, at Eleven o’Clock in the forenoon, in order that the same may be taken into Consideration.
Richard Davis
William Jennings
Richard Bloxham
Commissioners
Year:
1789
Place:
Shrivenham
Ref:
Online only
Item Ref:
N321
Find it:
Online only
